This archive report was first published on 30 August 2021.
Published on August 30, 2021, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has stepped up its efforts to combat tax evasion by confiscating undeclared personal effects from Kenyans returning to the country through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Among the items targeted by the taxman are wigs, human hair extensions, footwear, handbags, paintings, and earrings, which will be auctioned at the JKIA's warehouse next month if the owners fail to clear the tax due on them.
“Passengers should familiarize themselves with the allowable concession of $500 (Sh54,900), the specific exemptions, types of goods prohibited, and those that are restricted,” KRA Commissioner for Customs and Border Control Lilian Nyawanda said.
Introduced in 2016, the regulations dictate that all taxable items attract taxes at the rate determined by the value of the money paid at a foreign country, without relying on factors such as weight, size, or quality.
Passengers traveling out of the country are now required to fill in a Temporary Importation Form-P45 to declare items being shipped abroad for repair, including accompanying tools, and show the receipt during return as a declaration.
Items bought in Kenya for commercial purposes must also be declared during departure for tax purposes on return.
